HARARE – Prosecutors on Wednesday withdrew cyberbullying charges against United Kingdom–based socialite and businesswoman Olinda Chapel before plea, bringing an abrupt end to a case that had landed in court. Prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe told magistrate Ruth Moyo that the state was no longer pursuing the matter, leading to the charges being dropped without Chapel being asked to plead. With the case withdrawn, Chapel is now set to recover her passport, which had been surrendered as part of her bail conditions.
She had previously appeared in court and was released on US$100 bail, ordered not to interfere with state witnesses and to report fortnightly at Borrowdale Police Station. Following her court appearance, Chapel issued a written apology and also recorded a live video in which she admitted wrongdoing and accepted responsibility for her conduct. “I’m making this public apology to Dyonne with full accountability for my actions,” Chapel said. “I deeply regret the way I treated Dyonne and acknowledge that my behaviour was harmful, disrespectful, and completely wrong.” She conceded to using “demeaning and insulting language,” speaking about Dyonne in a “degrading manner,” and spreading “false and misleading information that damaged her character and reputation.”
